Frugal Family: Deals Dazzle Des Plaines

Limited budgets need not provide limited experiences. Des Plaines is rich in unique places to visit, fabulous morsels to consume and cultural identity to celebrate.

Here are five value-added deals to help you take care of business and expand your horizons without breaking your bank.

The Neverly Brothers, a rock and roll tribute band, will perform at the library on Feb. 20. The show is free, and you can register to attend on the library's website. Concert-goers will experience the evolution of rock and roll as the Brothers play through their repertoire, which includes hits by Buddy Holly, Carl Perkins, The Beatles, The Kinks, The Rolling Stones, and, of course, The Everly Brothers.

Good through: Feb. 20

Think outside the tortilla. Pakistani and Indian Cuisine is delicious, and you can get it on the cheap by visiting this no-frills restaurant for its $4.99 lunch specials Mon. - Thur., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. It's chef's choice for the lunch specials, and favorites include Curry Chicken with Naan Flatbread, Chicken Qhorma with Naan Flatbread and Chicken Biryani with Rice.

Good through: Everyday value pricing

Cloudy skies and slushy streets don't keep kids from having fun at Dad's Slot Cars. Children receive 15 minutes of free slot car track time for an A, or other equivalent good mark. Renting a car and controller brings the total to seven dollars for 30 minutes of racing. Report cards from previous quarters or sessions are accepted.

Good through: Ongoing promotion

Deal: This Des Plaines seafood staple is offering its annual Mardi Gras specials this month including a mouth-watering Po Boy Crawfish Sandwich for $6.50. The fried crawfish are lightly spiced with Cajun seasoning, and the hoagie is served with fries, sweet corn hush puppies and a small cup of cole slaw.

Good through: March 8

Deal: Get a basic oil change, up to five quarts and a filter, for only $20. A technician at Family Car Care, which has had the same ownership since the mid-1980s, will check your tires and fluids for an additional $4.

Good through: Ongoing promotion